Equipment for aiding cardiovascular circulation

ABSTRACT

A reciprocable table, for supporting a supine human body, moving through a substantial stroke in a reciprocating planar motion, which may be synchronized with the body heartbeat, is supported by a pair of horizontally mounted bifurcated springs at each end of the table. By mounting the table on a hollow base, the unit may be self-contained without external hoses, or the like.

United States Patent Blok etal.

[15] 3,654,918 51 Apr. 11, 1972 [54] EQUIPMENT FOR AIDING CARDIOVASCULAR CIRCULATION [72] Inventors: Petrus Blok, Coymanstraat 7, Moerkapelle; Taco Jan Viersma, Julianaloan 26, Pijnacker, both of Netherlands [22] Filed: May 15,1970

[2]] Appl.No.: 37,744

[52] US. Cl ..l28/33 [5 1] Int. Cl. [58] Field of Search ..128/24, 24.2, 33, 50.52

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,532,089 10/1970 Amtzenius ..1 2'3/33 3,455,297 7/1969 Russell 128/33 Primary Examiner-L. W. Trapp Attorney-William C. Nealon, Noble S. Williams and Robert J. Bird [57] ABSTRACT A reciprocable table, for supporting a supine human body, moving through a substantial stroke in a reciprocating planar motion, which may be synchronized with the body heartbeat, is supported by a pair of horizontally mounted bifurcated springs at each end of the table. By mounting the table on a hollow base, the unit may be self-contained without external hoses, or the like.

9 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 11 I972 SHEET 1 BF 2 lNVF-NTOR PETRUS BLOK BY TA 0 AN wERsMA Z4; M

AT ORNEY EQUIPMENT FOR AIDING CARDIOVASCULAR CIRCULATION This invention relates generally to improvements in reciprocating tables supporting a supine human body for aiding cardiovascular circulation, called Bash tables. The particular type of table is a non-invasive apparatus for assisting heart function. The apparatus of the invention aids heart action by reciprocating a supine body in a direction generally along the vertical or long dimension of the heart.

In copending application Ser. No. 879,269, filed Nov. 24, 1969 now US. Pat. No. 3,532,089, there is described a reciprocating table which uniquely provides means for reducing the work done by a living heart while pumping blood, by accelerating the entire human body during predetermined periods in a cardiac cycle. The direction of acceleration may be opposite to or in the direction of blood flow from the heart. When the acceleration is opposite of the blood flow from the heart it assists the ejection of the blood from the left ventricle into the aorta and the ejection of the blood from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and then enhances venous filling of the heart. When the direction is the same as the blood flow from the heart it may be used for increasing the work done by the heart, to condition the heart for example, and for maintaining muscular strength.

The reciprocating table of the above-identified application is unique and provides a different method of cardiac assistance in that it utilizes the acceleration of the whole body (which acceleration is synchronous with the heartbeat); it imparts external energy to the cardiovascular system in systole (contraction) rather than diastole (relaxation); it does not require operative intervention, intravascular manipulation nor anticlotting measures; and it is applied with minimum effort and time. The copending application describes a table mounted on vertical flat leaf springs with the upper ends of the springs connected to the table and the lower ends of the springs mounted rigidly to a lower portion of a frame. The table connection to the frame by such springs, therefore, moves in an arc, and this are limits the extent of reciprocable motion to about a centimeter stroke, as the center of the table tends to move in an are as the stroke of the reciprocating motion becomes greater than the 5 centimeters. Furthermore, the table required mounting on a plurality of springs (four or more) along the side to adequately support the table for the reciprocating motion, and therefore, access to the space beneath the table was limited. Further, the earlier table had external pumps, relays, filters, and the like, connecting by hoses, tubes, wires and the like for operating a single motor actuator for the table, along with the necessary elements for the operation of the table.

In the above-identified application, a system for use with the reciprocating table was shown wherein an EKG (electrocardiogram) is used to actuate the motion of the table according to the action of the heart. Thus the patients body may be accelerated rhythmically and synchronously with the heartbeat with varying degrees of magnitude and duration of acceleration.

It is an important object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus to assist the heart function without surgical intervention.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved reciprocating table for accelerating a human body in a longer stroke and in a planar motion.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a selfcontained unit for reciprocating a human body, wherein the major elements of the apparatus are contained beneath the table on which the body is placed.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a reciprocating table having a spring support arrangement connected to each of the four spaced-apart connections of the table for permitting reciprocating movement of the table.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a reciprocating table mounted on bifurcated flat springs in which each tine of the bifurcated spring moves relative to its base by half the distance of the reciprocating motion providing a system in which there is essentially no wear and no noise during operation.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention may be readily ascertained by referring to the following description and appended illustrations in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reciprocable table according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a reciprocable table according to the invention, with the table top removed exposing the supporting springs of the device;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the reciprocable table of the invention, with the side covers removed exposing the accessory elements for operating the table;

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the spring elements supporting each end of the reciprocable table;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a single spring element according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the device of FIG. 5.

In general, the invention includes a frame for Supporting a reciprocable table thereabove, usually at a convenient height for workers for the examination and treatment of the patient on the table. The table is suspended by flat leaf springs mounted between an upper part of the frame and the table, and by providing skirts around the table the reciprocating mechanism may be completely enclosed. The springs are bifurcated springs mounted in horizontal position with the depth dimension of the metal extended perpendicularly to the table providing noiseless operation with essentially no wear. Spring flexure is in a horizontal plane. The frame provides means for accommodating motors, pumps, filters, electrical equipment, and the like, providing an essentially self-contained unit which requires only an electrical connection and cooling water for its operation.

In the device illustrated in the drawings, a frame, shown in general by numeral 10, is arranged to seat on a supporting surface and extend thereabove. The frame includes a floor contacting foot 12 and an upper surface 14 connected by generally upright ends 16 and 18. Side covers 17 and 19 may be removably provided for enclosing the frame. Intermediate supporting beams 20 extend from end to end for supporting various pieces of equipment necessary for the operation of the table and method of assisting cardiovascular circulation. Braced uprights 22, 24, 26 and 28 extend upwardly from the upper surface 14 of the frame and provide means for supporting the spring suspension system of a reciprocating table shown in general by numeral 30. A pair of interlaced bifurcated springs 32 and 34 are mounted between the uprights and the table at one end and similar interlaced springs 36 and 38 are mounted at the opposite end of the table. Each bifurcated spring has one tine attached to the braced upright and the other mounted on the table, with the tines spread apart biasing the table towards a centered position, as explained below.

A servomotor 40 secured to a mount 42 is arranged to reciprocate the table by means of a piston rod 44 connected to a lateral table brace 46, which is further braced to another lateral brace 48 by means of diagonal braces 49 and 50. The servomotor is provided with actuating fluid by accessory equipment in the base. Mount 42 is fixed to frame 10. Braces 46 and 48 are fixed to table 30.

The frame is arranged to support the necessary equipment for the servomotor and other operations in connection with the table, and these include elements such as motor 58 with a hydraulic pump 52 secured thereto, a filter 54 with its supporting lines and an accumulator 56, which is connected in the hydraulic system for providing smooth action of the servomotor. Other equipment, including electrical and electronic components, that may be necessary or desirable for the utilization of the table may also be mounted under the table in the frame, and where desired the sides and ends of the frame may be completely enclosed aiding the sanitary conditions of the location of the table. The side and end panels may be readily removable for service and maintenance of the equipment mounted in the frame. Generally, the only connection or line entering the frame is a power line and a cooling water supply and drain. A panel 60 provides a convenient position for switches, gauges, and measuring instruments necessary or desirable for the operation of the table. For clarity, not all hydraulic or electrical connections are shown.

The reciprocating table includes a flat planar surface 31 which is provided with an extension 33, the extension not being shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in which an X-ray transmitting window 35 is mounted so that X-rays of the patients chest may be taken while the patient is on the table. The extension 33 extends beyond the frame which permits the placing of an X-ray film cassette or the like for use in conjunction with taking X-ray pictures.

A patient may be secured directly on the table, or preferably on a mattress, form fitting plastic mass or the like. The patient is, also, secured on the table by straps so as to closely follow the action of the table.

The bifurcated flat spring arrangement and intermounting arrangement is shown in FIGS. 4 through 6. A bifurcated flat spring is illustrated in FIG. 5 and 6 where a spring 62 includes a pair of extending tines 63 and 64 extending approximately parallel from a base section 65. The spring is a flat spring and is arranged to be mounted in a vertical position (the wide section or face of the spring being perpendicular to the planar table) under the table with one tine of each spring attached to the table and the other tine attached to the frame. The relative position of mounting of a pair of springs is illustrated in FIG. 4, where a spring 36 is positioned with a spring 38. The tines 36A and 36C of spring 36 are laterally displaced from its base 36B. Being secured to a common base 363, the tines are bowed when the ends are displaced laterally. The spring 38 similarly has its upper and lower tines 38A and 38C displaced laterally from its base 383. In mounted position each spring has one tine attached to the table 30 and the other attached to the frame 10, with the base member of the spring being free to move as the table reciprocates. With springs about 600 mm. long (approximately 24 inches) and with the suspension illustrated, the movement of the table may be a cm. (6 inch) stroke. As the table moves, each tine bends only about onehalf of the movement of the table so that the combined movement of the spring equals the stroke of the table. The bases of the springs, being free, move as the table is moved. The movement of the springs is silent and there is no wear on the springs. The springs may be mounted by means of apertures in the ends of the tines or other convenient mountings.

In mounted position, shown in FIG. 2, the spring tines are spread apart so that the table is essentially spring-biased toward a center position. Actuation of the servomotor extending the piston rod 44 moves the table braces 46, 48 and table 30 away from the servomotor 40, and in similar manner retracting the piston rod will move the table toward the servomotor. In each instance, however, movement of the table moves the four-spring arrangement to bias against the movement so that the table returns to its center position under the influence of the springs and in the absence of the servomotor. Where maximum stroke of the servomotor is used, rubber bumpers 71 and 72 mounted on the frame mounts at opposite ends and rubber bumpers 70 and 73 mounted on the table absorb any shock of impact of the table against the uprights. The action of the springs on movement of the table is in effect a scissor action with the base of the tines floating free and moving approximately half the distance of movement of the table itself.

Still further aspects and variations of the invention within the spirit thereof and the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for aiding cardiovascular circulation comprising a frame,

a reciprocable table disposed relative to said frame for supporting a body,

springs supporting said table relative to said frame, said springs being flat leaf springs disposed horizontally between their points of connection with said frame and said table for flexure in a horizontal plane,

said springs being bifurcated and providing two tines extending from a common base, and

means for reciprocating said table relative to said frame.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said springs are arranged in pairs at each end of said table.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein one said tine of each said bifurcated spring is connected to said table and the other said tine is connected to said frame and the base of said spring means is free.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said pairs of bifurcated springs are arranged with their individual spring members disposed in opposite directions.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said bifurcated springs are arranged with their tines interlaced and their bases spaced apart.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said springs extend substantially across the end of said table means.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said bifurcated springs are pre-sprung providing means for spring biasing said table in centered position.

8. A reciprocable table apparatus including a stationary frame,

a table,

a flexible mount, operatively connecting said table to said frame,

said mount including a bifurcated leaf spring having a common base and a pair of tine portions fastened at the outer end of one of its tine portions to said frame and at the outer end of the other of its tine portions to said table, the outer ends of said tine portions being those ends opposite their common base said leaf spring disposed to flex in a plane parallel to the plane of said table, and

means to motivate said table in reciprocating motion.

9. A reciprocable table apparatus according to claim 8 in which there is a pair of said flexible mounts spaced longitudinally relative to said table,

said table floating on said flexible mounts relative to said frame. 

1. Apparatus for aiding cardiovascular circulation comprising a frame, a reciprocable table disposed relative to said frame for supporting a body, springs supporting said table relative to said frame, said springs being flat leaf springs disposed horizontally between their points of connection with said frame and said table for flexure in a horizontal plane, said springs being bifurcated and providing two tines extending from a common base, and means for reciprocating said table relative to said frame.
 2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said springs are arranged in pairs at each end of said table.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein one said tine of each said bifurcated spring is connected to said table and the other said tine is connected to said frame and the base of said spring means is free.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said pairs of bifurcated springs are arranged with their individual spring members disposed in opposite directions.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said bifurcated springs are arranged with their tines interlaced and their bases spaced apart.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said springs extend substantially across the end of said table means.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said bifurcated springs are pre-sprung providing means for spring biasing said table in centered position.
 8. A reciprocable table apparatus including a stationary frame, a table, a flexible mount, operatively connecting said table to said frame, said mount including a bifurcated leaf spring having a common base and a pair of tine portions fastened at the outer end of one of its tine portions to said frame and at the outer end of the other of its tine portions to said table, the outer ends of said tine portions being those ends opposite their common base said leaf spring disposed to flex in a plane parallel to the plane of said table, and means to motivate said table in reciprocating motion.
 9. A reciprocable table apparatus according to claim 8 in which there is a pair of said flexible mounts spaced longitudinally relative to said table, said table floating on said flexible mounts relative to said frame. 